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Is Protein Good Or Bad For Chronic Kidney Disease Patients? New Suggestions Illustrate Paradox.

As you likely know, protein is important to Chronic Kidney Disease patients in particular who often have weaker immune systems because it helps to fight dangerous infections as well as wound healing such as after surgery. However, people who have earlier stages of Chronic Kidney Disease know that their Nephrologists often restrict protein in their diets. As progression to later stages of Chronic Kidney Disease occurs and patients are placed on Dialysis many are confused why they are told to eat a lot more protein. Often patients wonder, "How can I eat too much protein in the early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, and then not be able to get enough in later stages?"

As you likely know, protein is important to Chronic Kidney Disease patients in particular who often have weaker immune systems because it helps to fight dangerous infections as well as wound healing such as after surgery. However, people who have earlier stages of Chronic Kidney Disease know that their Nephrologists often restrict protein in their diets. As progression to later stages of Chronic Kidney Disease occurs and patients are placed on Dialysis many are confused why they are told to eat a lot more protein. Often patients wonder, "How can I eat too much protein in the early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, and then not be able to get enough in later stages?"

The basic understanding has been that Chronic Kidney Disease patients on Dialysis have protein removed from blood while conducting treatments. Further, both advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (stage 4-5) and Dialysis itself cause a higher need for protein intake because of changes in how patients' bodies metabolize and break-down proteins before they can effectively be used; causing protein loss.

Hence, for late stage Chronic Kidney Disease patients including those on Hemodaialysis their Albumin (protein in blood) goal is simple - "4.0 or higher," and corrective actions should be taken with levels less than 3.5. A good rule of thumb, according to the Nephron Information Center is to eat 0.55grams of protein for every pound (lb) you weigh. Thus if you weigh 100lbs you would eat 55grams of protein, and so on (125lbs = 69grams, 150lbs = 82grams, 175lbs = 96lbs, and 200lbs = 110grams). Most people on Hemodialysis are typically recommended to "eat 8 to 10 ounces of high-protein foods each day," according to Medline Plus.

Now, here's another twist: If you have Chronic Kidney Failure as a result of Kidney Cancer and conduct Dialysis, experts have recently found that high protein levels "are associated with poor survival in cancer-specific Hemodialysis patients." More specifically researchers reported, "The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 69.9% for patients with elevated CRP (test that measures the amount of protein in your blood) compared with 95.2% for those with CRP levels of 0.5 mg/dL or less."

Ultimately the better nourished you are, the more energy you will have and the healthier you will be which will provide you with a higher quality of life. That is why it is important to eat mostly high-quality proteins such as fish, poultry (chicken), pork, or eggs because they produce less waste and are more nourishing than lower, more fatty meats.

Still, it may be a bit confusing recognizing if you should consume more or less protein to improve your health outcomes. Thus, for your convenience here is a quick reference: Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (Pre-Dialysis) patients - 37-41grams of protein per day, Late Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (including Dialysis) patients - 8 to 10 ounces of protein daily, and Chronic Kidney Disease patients with Kidney Failure due to Cancer - CRP levels of 0.5 mg/dL or less.

Indeed, these numbers can vary depending on your weight and specific needs, but your Healthcare Team will work with you to monitor and adjust where necessary. For more of your must-have Daily News & Information which teaches Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetics how to better manage their lives, visit the #1 trusted resource online - KidneyBuzz.com.

Disclaimer: KidneyBuzz is not operated by medical professionals and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We do our best to keep you informed of what's happening with the Kidney Disease Community. Read more.

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